Forum:Tales from the Cosmodrome, Vol. 1

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"And my vanquisher will read that book, seeking the weapon, and they will come to understand me, where I have been and where I was going."The following is a verbatim transcription of an official document for archival reasons. As the original content is transcribed word-for-word, any possible discrepancies and/or errors are included.

Tales from the Cosmodrome, Vol. 1 is a Lore book introduced with Witch Queen. It follows a number of point of views throughout the Cosmodrome, from following Shaw Han and his fireteam, Navôta, Eir Spawn and a few of the Fallen that call the place home. Entries are unlocked by completing parts of the New Light quest and doing things throughout the patrol zone, from Lost Sectors to Public Events.

In and Out

The diner was stirring today, far more than usual. People all around were talking, about life, about kids, about what had just happened to some of the systems' own planets. Utensils clattered against plates and cups were clapped down back onto their tables. Questions and answers, small talk and full conversation was echoing all throughout. But it wasn't so chaotic that he couldn't hear the briefing on the operation.

"Vanguard needs a steady supply chain. Especially now." Caster-3 has skipped the formalities at this point. He insisted he got his double-shot espresso first before briefing, stated it helped keep his mind straight and focused. It's been a while since Shaw saw him, but clearly, he's changed since then, demeanor and appearance. He's a lot more direct. His voice has gotten a lot less tired; guess he's starting to get used to those dreams. Now, he's got a deep scar by his left eye, apparently the result of some Vandal who got lucky with a swipe. It felt good to see him again after some time. And it most certainly feels good to get a new job. "We have to make sure everything is in working order there, so we can get everyone in and out of the Cosmodrome without a hitch. Just a simple re-evaluation of some of our equipment and we'll be getting paid."

"Ha! You could say less, you know?" Maeve interjected. The Titan looked new, not just with her young and brash face, but also with the equipment she wore. Clearly, she doesn't yet know the perils that could possibly await her, but Shaw imagined Cas would allow her to learn the hard way, not because he was cruel, but because he figured that was the best way to teach young bloods. Shaw disagreed with that sentiment but figured not to make a point of it; felt wrong to try and contend with a friend, especially one he hasn't seen for some time. "I'm itching for some Glimmer right now and, who knows, I might find some better equipment."

"I know you're new, kid, but I can guarantee it won't be that easy. There could be a lot we're not expecting there. We have reports of House of Dusk scavengers moving in around the area, brining some fierce equipment to boot as well. We also have reports that the Hive infestation there isn't as controlled as we thought. For all we know, either could fully damage the Patrol network there. Both could easily kill you. Just remember that just because you are immortal does not mean you are invincible."

"I know, I know," Maeve half acknowledges. Shaw considers how many times she probably heard that, and whether she's actually listening to it. "I'm just really excited to finally have a team to work with! Finally to get out there and make a difference, make some connections, sharpen some skills and swat down some of our enemies!"

"I bet you are, young blood. But we still must be careful if we are to venture out there. We have no idea what to expect there. We may have preliminary scans and intelligence from some of our scouts, but we just cannot trust it all entirely. This patrol could become perilous if we aren't careful. I just..." Cas remains silent for a bit, almost painfully. Shaw heard what had happened with Cas before, leading a bunch of New Lights on the Moon before they were all ambushed by an Ogre; it tore through them all and shrugged off almost everything they threw at it. Though some of those young ones made it out, others didn't. They met their final deaths, their Ghosts smashed to pieces or vaporized by the Ogre's eye. It wasn't the loss that hurt Cas the most, it was the fact he thought he didn't do enough to save them. "I'm not losing anyone else to something blindsiding us."

"Hey, we'll be careful, alright? We know what to expect there and we are now armed with your knowledge. We got ourselves a bonafide nuclear fireteam! We've got each other covered, right? Got my strength, your intelligence and we got Shaw here's good eyes. Nothing's getting past us!"

Shaw looked carefully at Cas. Shaw learned only from the best that Hunters must have the most keen of eyesight if they are to be successful in any operation, from simple patrol sweeps to full on raid operations. Shaw has painstakingly worked to ensure that he doesn't miss a thing. Even being a more mechanical Exo and having a tough exterior, he could swear that Cas smiled at that remark. "Well, Shaw?" Cas questioned, "you think nothing's getting past us?"

Shaw wanted to immediately answer and affirm the rookie's statement, yet didn't. He was temporarily left in wordless gladness. For weeks he wanted a capable fireteam to join and bond with. He never had luck with fireteams. There was always something that prevented it from happening. Proud Guardians, final deaths, falling outs, it was almost always never meant to be. Yet, here he is, amongst whom he could easily call friends now. An old, grizzled veteran and a young buck eager to cut her teeth on something substantial. All he could do is smile at the prospect. "Damn straight, nothing is getting past us."

Cas more obviously smiles now, "Well, cheers to that."

"Woo!" Maeve excitedly shouts, "I'm excited! Can't wait to get out there and do something."

"I wouldn't hold your breath," Cas, back to his grizzled self states, "I could be over-estimating the problem there. While it wouldn't hurt to have some caution, we could be facing nothing there. Besides, our main concern is testing the connection of the patrol network. We probably won't be staying long. I don't know what to expect, but here's one thing for certain: this will be an in and out adventure."

Maeve almost looked disappointed there for a second before returning to her more characteristic jovial state. "Very well," she turns to Shaw and raises her glass, "In and out?"

Shaw, too, was almost disappointed, but still looked at the positive prospect of finally having a fireteam to rely on. He raises his glass as well, looking to Cas for confirmation, "In and out?"

Cas once again smiles, raising his empty espresso shot cup, "In and out."

All three clink their glasses together.